New and recommended children's books in May
We have so many delightful new Australian books to celebrate this month, beginning with our Book of the Month, the gorgeous new picture book by artist, Kat Macleod. There’s also a hilarious picture book about a sea cucumber, a stunning new Jeannie Baker, as well as new junior and middle fiction stories that are truly delightful. Read on to discover more.
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Tiny Tailors by Kat McLeod
The new book by Kat Macleod, featuring the same tiny characters that appeared in The Tiny Explorers, is even more enchanting, if that’s possible! This time the tiny ones are making their outfits for the upcoming Spring Parade. Using beautiful natural leaves, feathers and flowers, the tailors construct their costumes.
This stunning mixed-media story is a visual feast as well as a wonderful story about exploring the natural environment all around us and will be much loved by ages 2 and up.
FIVE NEW BOOKS WE LOVE
Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker
The latest book by beloved collage artist Jeannie Baker is set in the extraordinary desert landscape of Mexico and features a boy, Chico, who is visiting his grandfather and thinks it’s all a bit boring. But once he really starts looking, he discovers the incredible diversity and complexity of life in the desert.
This is an extraordinarily beautiful book that will be treasured for many years to come by ages 4 and up.
Neil, the Amazing Cucumber by Amelia McInerney & Lucinda Gifford
I don’t think we’ve ever had a picture book featuring a sea cucumber before, and certainly not one as hilarious as this.
Poor Neil is a bit befuddled and depressed when his friend Sandra disappears. He thinks she may have returned, but it could just be a pickle. After the pickle suddenly gets eaten by a shark, it’s probably just as well it wasn’t Sandra! Neil’s dry sense of humour and the fun illustrations make this a charming picture book for all ages. It even comes with fascinating sea cucumber facts!
Etta and the Octopus by Zana Fraillon and Andrew Joyner
The first in this delightful junior fiction series by Zana Fraillon and Andrew Joyner is a charming, lighthearted story. When an octopus appears in Etta’s bathtub, she is delighted and tries to accommodate her life around it. But octopuses aren’t always easy to live with!
This engaging story is perfect for newly independent readers aged 6 and up.
The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart by Samera Kamaleddine
Set during Evie’s final year of primary school, when Evie’s stepdad is moving to Dubbo and everything seems like it’s changing, Evie must learn to navigate her anxiety and go with the flow. Evie’s mum writes a magazine astrology column and Evie is fascinated by the stars, so there are plenty of fascinating space and constellation facts for budding scientists, but this is also a big-hearted story about the importance of family and friendship in keeping you grounded.
Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.
The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim & Kate Gordon
This story – written by two award-winning children’s authors – is set in a dystopian future and features a magical tree that brings two characters together.
In West Hobart, there is an ancient pine tree that provides solace when young Nyx is troubled. Bea also loves the tree and when she puts a despairing note in its branches, it is found by Nyx and creates a connection between the two, despite the 70 years in time they live apart. This is an ultimately hopeful story of friendship amidst the climate crisis for ages 10 and up.
CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
It’s hard to believe that this classic story by Mem Fox is 40 years old this month! When Grandma Poss turns baby Hush invisible, it’s fun until she wants to be visible again. But Grandma doesn’t know how to reverse her spell, so they travel the country eating different foods until Hush can be seen again.
A magical Australian story for all families with children aged 3 and up.
EVENTS
- Kirsty Murray will be reading her new book, Shadow Catchers, at storytime at Readings Kids on Sunday, May 28. More details here.
- New book by Melbourne artist Jackie Case, With a Little Sprinkle of Courage, will be launched at Readings Kids on Saturday, June 3. More details here.
- New middle grade novel by author Karen Comer, Sunshine on Vinegar Street, will be launched at Readings Hawthorn on Saturday, June 3. More details here.
